Nozzle assembly with suck-back action

ABSTRACT

A syrup-dispensing nozzle assembly including a plurality of nozzle heads for receiving the syrup under pressure and dispensing it uniformly. A special manifold is provided for carrying the heads to insure that equal and uniform flow from all of them occurs simultaneously and to provide a suck-back non-drip action simultaneously at all the heads when flow pressure is eliminated. Each of the heads is so formed with a plurality of separate and distinct nozzle tips that the syrup will not tend to adhere to the head when the flow of syrup is interrupted.

Unite States atet 1191 Wise et al. Oct. 21, 1975 NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH SUCK-BACK 3,056,436 /1962 Fechheimer et al. 141 116 x ACTION 3,067,785 12/1962 Meyer 3,229,913 1/1966 Waldrummu [75] Inv nt rs: R t T- W s Worthington; Da 3,463,094 8/1969 Fonda 222/375 x M. Sutton, Columbus, both of Ohio 731 Assignee: Big Drum, II'IC., Columbus, 01110 Primary ExaminerR9bert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerDavid A. Scherbel [22] 1974 Attorney, Agent, or FirmMahoney, Miller & Stebens [21] Appl. No.: 442,929

[57] ABSTRACT [1.5. CI. A syrup dispensing nozzle assembly including a plural- 239/558 ity of nozzle heads for receiving the syrup under pres- [5 ll.- CLZ sure and dispensing it uniform]y A special manifold is 1 1 Field of Search provided for carrying the heads to insure that equal 486, 495 and uniform flow from all of them occurs simultaneously and to provide a suck-back non-drip action 1 References Clted simultaneously at all the heads when flow pressure is UNITED STATES PATENTS eliminated. Each of the heads is so formed with a plu- 429,798 6/1890 Shannon 239/560 ralily of Separate and distinct OZZle tips that the Syrup 2,150,760 3/1939 C li 141 11 X will not tend to adhere to the head when the flow of 2,605,036 7/1952 Cozzoli l41/l16 X syrup is interrupted. 2,719,581 10/1955 Greathead 239/556 X 2,742,187 4/1956 Patzer 222/485 x 7 Clams, 10 Drawlng Flgures 330 330 Q 1 gm 0 l-flgllll 37 26 I 49 0 49 f 50 1 I Hill 1111 1 '"II' I 114 'lll will czzii US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 1 of 4 3,913,801

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 2 of4 3,913,801

US. Patent Oct.21, 1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,913,801

US. atent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet4 of4 3,913,801

NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH SUCK-BACK ACTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described as being particularly applicable to a machine which receives a series of edible cones and inserts them in protective paper cones, fills the paper-enclosed cones with ice cream, applies syrup to the tops of the ice cream cones, deposits nuts on the syrup-covered tops, and seals the open-mouths or upper ends of the paper cones with individual caps supplied from a roll of joined paper caps in strip form. The operations of producing the edible cones articles are similar to those described in the U.S. patent to Wise, US. Pat. No. 2,934,872 dated May 3, 1960 and the capped package is similar to that disclosed in the US. patent to Wise US. Pat. No. 2,965,499 dated Dec. 20, I960. However, the first pa tent discloses a machine of the rotary turret type wherein successive individual cones are fed to successive stations for the filling, treating and capping operations. The unit of the present invention is applied to a straight-line machine which feeds the filled cones as transverse successive rows, each row containing a selected number of cones to be capped and sealed. This unit consists of a multiple head nozzle assembly which dispenses syrup and applies it to the upper ends of the filled cones.

The nozzle assembly includes a manifold for supporting the nozzle heads in a transverse row of spaced heads corresponding to the spacing of the rows of filled cones which are moved into position therebeneath. A pressure system is incorporated in the manifold to insure that uniform flow occurs simultaneously from all heads and to provide for a suck-back no-drip action at all the heads simultaneously upon elimination of the flow pressure. Also, each of the nozzle heads is of special formation to include separate spaced nozzle tips so arranged that the syrup will not tend to adhere to the head and drip after the flow therefrom is interrupted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The best mode contemplated in carrying out this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the syrup-dispensing nozzle assembly.

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view with parts broken away, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the lower plate of one form of the multiple-outlet nozzle head.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the action of the nozzle head.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing another form of nozzle head.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 1010 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With particular reference to the drawings, the unit of this invention is indicated generally by the numeral 20 and is shown in cooperative relationship with aconveyor 25 which may be of any suitable type designed to bring successive transverse rows of filled containers or cones C into position therebeneath. The cones C are inserted in and are carried by transverse rows of cups or sockets 21 which are carried at longitudinally spaced intervals on the conveyor 25, which is indicated as an endless belt but may be of the chain type or other suitable type, intermittently moved to bring the rows of filled cones C successively into cooperation with the unit 20. Each row of cups 21 may be in any suitable number but in the example shown, each row consists of six cups for receiving that number of cones. The cones are filled with ice cream or similar substance in the manner described in US. Pat. No. 2,934,872 and before sealing, it is desirable to apply syrup to the upper dome-shaped surface of the ice cream of each cone. The unit 20 of this invention will effectively dispense the syrup and apply it uniformly and simultaneously to all the cones in a transverse row which is moved therebeneath.

In the example shown, the unit 20 is indicated (FIGS. 1 and 2) as comprising a two-part manifold 26, each part carrying three of the nozzle heads 30 in a dependent position therefrom. These manifold sections 26a are supported by a bar 27 which extends transversely over the conveyor 25 and is supported at its outer ends by standards 28 at opposite side edges of the conveyor. Suitable clamping stud units 33 and cooperating spacers 34 are provided for removably and adjustably clamping the manifold sections 260 to the support bar 27. The manifold 26 receives the syrup under pressure, usually chocolate syrup, by means of a conduit 29 from a suitable supply tank under pressure. Interposed in this line is a valve 35 of a suitable type which may be actuated to supply pressure to the manifold in timed relationship to the intermittent movement of the conveyor 25. Each of the sections 26a of the manifold is covered by a cover plate 37 (FIG. 4) which is removably secured thereon by clamping stud units 33a like the units 33, a gasket 38 being provided for sealing the cover.

Extending longitudinally through each of the manifold sections 26a are bores which are in axial alignment to form a common syrup supply passage 40 (FIGS. 4 and 5) extending across the manifold 26. Ballcontrolled outlets 41 lead upwardly from this passage 40, one outlet being provided for each of the nozzle heads 30. The syrup-supply conduit 29 is connected to the passage 40 for supplying syrup under pressure thereto. Each outlet 41 leads upwardly into a tubular ball chamber 42 and at its junction with the chamber there is a ball seat 43. In the upper surface of the section 26a is a restricted recess 44, which is an upwardlyopening notch that will be beneath the cover 37, and with which the respective chamber 42 communicates. This recess 44 also communicates with a downwardlyleading inlet passage 46 for the associated nozzle head 30. Mounted for free upward vertical movement in the ball chamber 42 is a ball 45 which normally seats by gravity on the seat 43.

Each of the heads 30 (FIGS. 4, 6 and 7) is of two main parts and readily separable for cleaning. The head includes a disc-like body 47 having a stem which is provided with a threaded extension at its upper end fitting into a downwardly-opening threaded socket 48 in the manifold section 26a, the stem being provided with a passage 460 which is a continuation of passage 46. The body 47 is of disc-like form and has removably secured thereto, by a clamping ring 48, the nozzle face 49 which is also of disc-like form. The disc 49 is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced holes which receive separate nozzle tips 50 that project from the smooth lower face 51 of the disc. These tips 50 are in the form of tubes which communicate at their inner ends with a common chamber 52 which results from a spacing and sealing gasket 53 between the two disclike portions 47 and 49.

When the cones C are properly positioned under the nozzle heads 30 and syrup under pressure is supplied to the manifold 26 by actuation of valve 35, it fills the passage 40 and after sufficient pressure is created throughout the length of that passage, all of the identical balls 45 will be lifted simultaneously from their seats 43, allowing the syrup to simultaneously flow to all of the nozzle heads 30. The syrup will issue through the outlet tips 50 of all the nozzle heads simultaneously and uniformly. Because the tips 50 are spaced substantially from each other and project substantially from the surface 51, the syrup will issue as separate streams (FIG. 8). The syrup will continue to flow until the valve 35 closes which interrupts flow pressure in the manifold passage 40. This interruption of flow pressure will permit all of the balls 45 to drop onto their respective seats 43 thereby preventing further pressure being developed in the chambers 42 and communicating outlet passages 4646a. This not only prevents further flow of syrup through the nozzle tips 50 but, in fact, creates a slight vacuum or negative pressure in the nozzle tips 50. This is occasioned by each ball 45 dropping in its chamber 42, thereby creating a suck-back effect in the passage 46-46a which is connected thereto and to the nozzle tips 50. Thus, flow of syrup to tips 50 is not only interrupted but a suck-back action is created at the tips which aids in preventing drip of the syrup at the tips. In addition, because of the separation and projection of the tips, the syrup will not tend to adhere to the face 51 due to surface tension. Thus, the head 30 will be kept clean and free of clogging.

FIGS. 9 and show a different form of nozzle face plate construction which will produce the same results as the one shown at 49 in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this form, the plate 49a will again be of disc-like form but the nozzle tips 50a thereof will be formed integral on the face of the plate rather than as separate inserted tubes 50 as in the previously described form. This is accomplished by machining or otherwise forming in the face a plurality of grooves 51a which are arranged in an intersecting grid pattern to produce the separate laterally spaced outwardly projecting tips 50a. These tips would function substantially as described with reference to the tips 50.

The balls 45 fit within the cylinders or chambers 42 with just enough clearance to permit the necessary vertical movement. The chambers 42 are of uniform diameter from their lower ends, where ball seats 43 are formed to their upper ends, where the restricted outlets 44 are formed. The result is a cylinder and piston action with each ball and the cylindrical chamber in whichvit moves vertically. This will effectively create the suck-back action. This will be facilitated by the recesses 44 and passages 46 and 460 being restricted relative to the size of the chambers 42 so that the suckback action will be more effective. The passages will in effect be capillary tubes, through which the syrup can be forced under pressure but will have a tendency to pull it back, when the pressure is eliminated, aided by the suction created when the balls drop to the lower ends of chambers 42. All the balls are of identical weight and, therefore, none of them will be lifted un the pressure along passage is sufficient, when all th balls will be lifted simultaneously which will eliminate any possibility of the syrup first flowing into the nozzle head 30 nearest the inlet 29. Although the clearances between the balls and the walls of chambers 42 are close, the pressure of the syrup, as it lifts the balls, will force the syrup past them, but when the pressure is eliminated, the balls will drop, and the syrup on the walls will, in effect, form a liquid seal which will make the suck-back more effective.

Thus, this invention provides for feed to a plurality of nozzle heads simultaneously and uniformly and provides for a suck-back effect to provide for clean cut-off of flow without drip at the heads. The tips of the nozzle are spaced sufficiently and project sufficiently to prevent adherence of the syrup to the nozzle face due to joining of the streams and surface tension.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed I. A unit for dispensing syrup or the like comprising an elongated manifold having a plurality of nozzle heads carried thereby at spaced intervals therealong and depending therefrom, a supply conduit connected to said manifold for feeding syrup under pressure thereto, said manifold having a common supply passage extending horizontally therealong with an inlet to which said supply conduit is connected, branch passages leading from said common supply passage at spaced intervals along its length to the respective nozzle heads, each of said branch passages comprising an upwardly-directed outlet passage leading from the common passage and having a ball-receiving valve seat at its upper end, a cylindrical ball-receiving chamber with which said upwardly-directed outlet passage connects, a ball mounted in said chamber with close tolerance but free to move vertically therein, said chamber being of a vertical extent substantially greater than the diameter of the ball and being of uniform diameter throughout its vertical extent to permit upward movement under pressure and downward movement by gravity with the ball acting substantially as a piston, and a restricted passageway leading from the upper end of said chamber to its respective nozzle head, whereby when syrup under pressure is supplied to said common passage, there is a build-up in pressure uniformly along its length until it acts simultaneously through all of said outlet passages to unseat all of the identical balls simultaneously to permit flow of syrup into the chambers and past the balls, as they rise into contact with the upper ends of said chambers, and through the restricted passages to the nozzle heads, and when the pressure in said common passage is reduced, the balls will drop downwardly simultaneously through said chambers onto said seats creating a negative pressure through said connected restricted passages to produce a suck-back of syrup at said nozzle heads.

2. A unit according to claim 1 in which said restricted passage leads laterally from the chamber at its upper extremity and each of said branch passages also includes a restricted downwardly-leading passage in the manifold with its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the ball chamber and having its upper end connected to the restricted passage which leads from the upper extremity of the ball chamber, the respective nozzle cooperating with said branch passageway having a similar restricted inlet passage which is a continuation of said downwardly-leading passage in said manifold.

3. A unit according to claim 2 in which each nozzle is removably mounted on the manifold and has a head comprising a body of disc-like form and a nozzle face removably mounted thereon and having a plurality of projecting nozzle tips which are disposed in laterally spaced relationship, all of said tips communicating with a common chamber between said face and said body which is supplied by said inlet passage.

4. A unit according to claim 3 in which the tips are separate tubes mounted in laterally spaced sockets in said face.

5. A unit according to claim 3 in which the tips are provided by intersecting grooves formed in said face.

6. A unit according to claim 2 in which said manifold is made of elongated sections removably connected together in axial alignment, each of said sections comprising a body having a plurality of the ball-receiving chambers and cooperating branch passages formed therein, said restricted passages leading from the upper ends of said chambers being in the form of upwardlyopening notches which connect said chambers and said downwardly-leading passages, and a cover plate mounted on each of the bodies and covering said notches.

7. A unit according to claim 2 in which said inlet to the common supply passage is located at one end of the manifold where the supply conduit is connected thereto and the branch passages lead therefrom at uniformly spaced positions pregressively therealong. 

1. A unit for dispensing syrup or the like comprising an elongated manifold having a plurality of nozzle heads carried thereby at spaced intervals therealong and depending therefrom, a supply conduit connected to said manifold for feeding syrup under pressure thereto, said manifold having a common supply passage extending horizontally therealong with an inlet to which said supply conduit is connected, branch passages leading from said common supply passage at spaced intervals along its length to the respective nozzle heads, each of said branch passages comprising an upwardly-directed outlet passage leading from the common passage and having a ball-receiving valve seat at its upper end, a cylindrical ball-receiving chamber with which said upwardlydirected outlet passage connects, a ball mounted in said chamber with close tolerance but free to move vertically therein, said chamber being of a vertical extent substantially greater than the diameter of the ball and being of uniform diameter throughout its vertical extent to permit upward movement under pressure and downward movement by gravity with the ball acting substantially as a piston, and a restricted passageway leading from the upper end of said chamber to its respective nozzle head, whereby when syrup under pressure is supplied to said common passage, there is a build-up in pressure uniformly along its length until it acts simultaneously through all of said outlet passages to unseat all of the identical balls simultaneously to permit flow of syrup into the chambers and past the balls, as they rise into contact with the upper ends of said chambers, and through the restricted passages to the nozzle heads, and when the pressure in said common passage is reduced, the balls will drop downwardly simultaneously through said chambers onto said seats creating a negative pressure through said connected restricted passages to produce a suck-back of syrup at said nozzle heads.
 2. A unit according to claim 1 in which said restricted passage leads laterally from the chamber at its upper extremity and each of said branch passages also includes a restricted downwardly-leading passage in the manifold with its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the ball chamber and having its upper end connected to the restricted passage which leads from the upper extremity of the ball chamber, the respective nozzle cooperating with said branch passageway having a similar restricted inlet passage which is a continuation of said downwardly-leading passage in said manifold.
 3. A unit according to claim 2 in which each nozzle is removably mounted on the manifold and has a head comprising a body of disc-like form and a nozzle face removably mounted thereon and having a plurality of projecting nozzle tips which are disposed in laterally spaced relationship, all of said tips communicating with a common chamber between said face and said body which is supplied by said inlet passage.
 4. A unit according to claim 3 in which the tips are separate tubes mounted in laterally spaced sockets in said face.
 5. A unit according to claim 3 in whiCh the tips are provided by intersecting grooves formed in said face.
 6. A unit according to claim 2 in which said manifold is made of elongated sections removably connected together in axial alignment, each of said sections comprising a body having a plurality of the ball-receiving chambers and cooperating branch passages formed therein, said restricted passages leading from the upper ends of said chambers being in the form of upwardly-opening notches which connect said chambers and said downwardly-leading passages, and a cover plate mounted on each of the bodies and covering said notches.
 7. A unit according to claim 2 in which said inlet to the common supply passage is located at one end of the manifold where the supply conduit is connected thereto and the branch passages lead therefrom at uniformly spaced positions pregressively therealong. 